String Trimmer Brands and Links

Alternatives to string trimmers

For minimal grass trimming, a string trimmer may be overkill. You can get quality hand shears, or a small 3.6-amp cordless shear like the Black & Decker GS500 3.6-volt Cordless Grass Shear (*Est. $30). Manual hand trimmers like the Fiskars 92146935 Shear Ease Grass Shears (*Est. $20) are also an option for small areas.

If you have a lot of edging to do or are picky about a manicured lawn, you might prefer a dedicated edger. These machines look like mini lawn mowers and have metal blades instead of string. Prices range from $100 to $300. Some string trimmers feature an available edging attachment.

Using string trimmers

Louisiana State University provides a detailed safety guide, "String Trimmer Safety and Maintenance."

To understand more about string trimmers and two- and four-stroke engines, see the Wikipedia entry on string trimmers. This article also includes tips on using a trimmer efficiently and safely.

There is another good article about the difference between two- and four-stroke engines at ProToolReviews.com.

John Kelsey of ThisOldHouse.com discusses how to use a string trimmer efficiently for various tasks, as well as choosing between gas, corded electric and cordless trimmers.

Several online forums discuss string trimmers. You can search current and archived discussions to learn more about specific brands and models or to troubleshoot string-trimmer problems. These forums are also a good place to ask a question, since many experienced gardeners and landscape professionals post there regularly.

LawnSite.com

HomeDiscussion.com

String trimmer brands

Black & Decker

Craftsman

Echo

Hitachi

Homelite (owned by TTI, Techtronic Industries)

Honda

Husqvarna

Lehr

Ryobi (owned by TTI, Techtronic Industries)

Shindaiwa

Stihl

Toro

Troy-Bilt (owned by MTD)

Worx (Positec Industrial)